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FREE initial consultation for family law property settlement matters.

Free Initial Property
Settlement Consult

Free Initial Property
Settlement Consult

Know your rights, get personalised, helpful advice. Book a free initial property settlement consult with our experienced lawyers.

Reliability

Reliability

The McNamara Family Law Team is your trusted legal partner, known for a strong track record, great customer feedback, and a commitment to achieving positive outcomes for clients.

Local
Experts

Local
Experts

Our firm has been around for over 100 years. We offer personalised family law advice with no obligation.

We get that separation, and
everything that follows is difficult.

Who do I contact first?

Family Lawyer – First Point of Contact: A family lawyer is usually the first person you should contact. The McNamara family law team can provide you with legal advice on your rights, obligations, and the best course of action regarding property division, child custody, spousal support, and the divorce process itself.

Counsellor or Mediator – Alternative or Concurrent Contact: If you are looking to resolve matters amicably, especially when children are involved, a counsellor or mediator might help in reaching agreements without going to court. Family dispute resolution services can also assist with mediation.

Financial Adviser – Consider Consulting: For advice on dividing assets, managing finances post-separation, and understanding the financial implications of a divorce, a financial adviser can be very helpful.

Support Services – Emotional Support: Organisations like Relationships Australia and Lifeline provide emotional support and guidance through the process.

To apply for a divorce in Australia:

Eligibility: You must be separated for at least 12 months. If married under two years, counseling is required.

Grounds: Australia uses a no-fault system, citing “irretrievable breakdown” as the sole ground.

Documents: Prepare your marriage certificate and, if needed, a counseling certificate.

File: Submit your application online or on paper, either jointly or alone.
Serve Papers: If filing alone, ensure your spouse receives the papers.

Finalisation: If granted, the divorce is final one month after the order.

Consult McNamara Law for personalised guidance, especially regarding property and child arrangements.

divorce

Divorce

Divorce

Divorce means the ending of a marriage, and is separate to doing a property division and to making parenting arrangements for children.
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parenting

Parenting

Parenting

When there is a dispute over children, The Family Law Act sets out what the Court considers when determining what is in the best interest of children.
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financial

Financial

Financial

A Binding Financial Agreement lets couples, married or de facto, formally record assets, financial resources, and liability division upon relationship breakdown.
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child support

Child
Support

Child Support

Both parents have an obligation to assist in financially supporting their child until age 18. This is commonly achieved through the payment of Child Support.
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property

Property

Property

Dividing the assets of the relationship can be tricky however understanding your legal entitlements can help you to navigate the process.
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mediation

Mediation

Mediation

Relationship breakdowns are challenging, with studies showing conflict's negative impact. Mediation offers early intervention to facilitate agreement.
Read more
Paternity

Paternity

Paternity

Confirm paternity before parenting or property settlements to ensure the decisions being made are fair for the children.
Read More
contact

Get in Touch

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MEET OUR FAMILY LAWYERS

Charmagne Haidley - Special Counsel

Charmagne completed her Bachelor of Laws and Diploma of Legal Practice in 2008 at the Queensland University of Technology and has been a Solicitor since 2008 practicing exclusively in Family Law. The wide experience gained across the different areas including property settlement, parenting, Child Support, Spousal Maintenance and Domestic Violence issues makes her a well-rounded senior practitioner whose services are much sought after. Charmagne who takes after her father who is a very senior and respected Legal Practitioner in Warwick, joined our firm in 2016. She shares our firm’s values on supporting the community and works out of our Springfield Office.

Charmagne is dedicated to meeting client expectations and gaining successful results for her clients. She has extensive experience in all areas of family law, including complex parenting and financial matters and domestic violence matters, in particular, cases involving the recovery of children. She prides herself on successfully resolving matters outside of Court if appropriate, however, has also been involved in all stages of matters including court appearances and mediations.

She understands that family law is a daunting process and has been commended by her clients on her ability to be a welcomed support to them throughout every step of the process.

Charmagne has been involved with presentations at secondary schools to provide education to the students on her career and what they need to do to reach their goals. 

As a dispute resolution expert she brings a client focussed desire to resolve matters efficiently and cost effectively for the client without adversarial intervention.

Away from work Charmagne is a devoted Mother who enjoys spending time with her children. She is a great exponent of the art of karaoke, playing pool and is a keen follower of the fortunes of the Broncos and an avid supporter of the Maroons. 

Silvia Lee

Silvia Lee is a valuable member of McNamara Law’s family law team, having joined the firm in 2024. Silvia graduated from her dual degree in a Bachelor of Laws and a Bachelor of Creative Industries (Dance) from Queensland University of Technology (QUT) in 2018. Silvia’s professional experience has exposed her to opportunities to work with a diverse range of legal professionals, including solicitors, barristers, and a Judge of the Federal Circuit Court (as it was then known). After graduating, Silvia completed her Graduate Diploma in Legal Practice (Practical Legal Training) at QUT. Subsequently, Silvia was admitted to the Supreme Court of Queensland in 2019.

Silvia brings a wealth of experience across a spectrum of legal disciplines, encompassing family, criminal, property, commercial, litigation, and wills and estates law. Having gained extensive experience across diverse areas of law, Silvia has developed a comprehensive understanding of potential issues that can influence family law matters. Silvia aims to provide compassionate and strategic legal representation to 

clients navigating sensitive family law matters, including divorce, parenting disputes and property settlements, with a goal to empower clients with clear and practical advice during emotionally challenging times. Silvia is a dedicated Solicitor and strives to work with compassion and integrity at all times.

Outside of the office, Silvia continues to pursue her passion for dance and competitive cheerleading. Silvia is a cheer coach and an athlete. Her dedication and hard work towards cheerleading granted her the unique opportunity to represent Australia in the 2017, 2019 and 2023 IASF Cheerleading World Championship hosted in the USA. To date, her greatest achievement was placing Top 5 at the World Championship. Silvia’s competitiveness in cheerleading has taught her to work hard, think creatively, and work together as a team to achieve greatness.

In addition to her sporting accomplishments, Silvia also enjoys rock climbing, karaoke and spending family time with her grey tabby cat (of 20+ years old) and fiancé.

Rozze Rezaie

Rozze graduated from the Queensland University of Technology in 2019 with a Bachelor of Laws and completed her Graduate Diploma in Legal Practice in 2020. Following admission to the legal profession in 2020, she has been practising solely in Family Law. She joined our firm in June 2024.

Rozze has extensive experience in various areas of family law including divorce, parenting disputes, property and financial settlements, prenuptial matters, and urgent recovery orders. She is an invaluable member of our team and the community.

Rozze builds client relationships through mutual trust and respect. She values open communication and ensures that her client’s opinions are heard and considered. She is particularly motivated to resolve matters without the court’s intervention where possible. 

Away from McNamara Law, Rozze enjoys staying fit and spending quality time with her family, including her beloved pets.

PERSONALISED ADVICE WITH NO OBLIGATION

IPSWICH


Unit 10

88 Limestone St

Ipswich 4305

Queensland

Ph: 07 3816 9555

SPRINGFIELD CENTRAL

GE Building,

Level 1, 6 Yoga Way

Springfield Central 4300

Queensland

Ph: 07 3470 3600

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